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shows? Yes, definitely when it comes to James Acaster, because it would be an absolute crime not to. This multi-award nominee has never put on a bad show, and is consistently the highlight of the Fringe. James Acaster is an absolute genius when it comes to writing a Fringe show, and proves again that he doesn’t need just one year to be ‘at the top of his game’, he has, and always will be, right there up at the top.

James Acaster always runs with a theme (this year being ‘reset’), and comes back to this theme throughout the show when you are least expecting it. It’s these reoccurring jokes, and the masterful timing that makes his performance so special. ‘Reset’ is a personal insight to James’s make-believe life, a whimsical fantasy that is just as surreal as it is cleverly written. There is absolutely no doubt with this year’s performance, that James Acaster is a very funny man, and a real festival treasure.

As I starting writing this recommendation, there were seats left for one date within the festival run, but I believe it now to be completely sold out. If you find any tickets to see this comedy royalty throughout your time at the Fringe, I highly recommend it.

James Acaster performs ‘Reset‘ at 7.30pm at the Pleasance Courtyard until 28 August

Twice-nominated for the Fosters Edinburgh Comedy Award, James Acaster is back again this year with another magnificent show. James Acaster is so good at writing comedy, it’s easy to get wrapped up in his whimsical storylines as if it’s real life. In fact, his make-believe life is so intriguing, it would be a much better place to exist in James’ world than my own.

James Acaster landscapes tales of an occupation he never had with such conviction, it leaves the audience hanging on to every word in awe. The other themes and topics may be basic at first sight, but the way James weaves and moulds them in to a show is something really quite special. Adopting one theme, dropping related anecdotes periodically and twisting the idea to its most hilarious potential, is Acaster’s trademark style, and no one could do it half as well as him.

It’s hard to give you a round up of what ‘Recognise’ is about, but that is James’ secret ingredient to a good Fringe show. His shows are selling out most nights, so I strongly recommend looking for a ticket now!

Like this:

The Edinburgh Fringe is famous for its vast variety of performers taking to the stage in just one month, so how could we possibly narrow it down to 10? Well, here it is, Punchline’s Top 10 shows for the 2014 Fringe:

1. Bridget Christie: An Ungrateful Woman

Last year’s big winner of the Edinburgh Comedy Award. Grab a coffee instead of a pint (it’s on at 11am), and spend an hour with one of the funniest and most life-affirming comedians on the Fringe. Buy tickets here

2. Cardinal Burns

No doubt destined for greatness. You may have seen their TV series but they are EVEN BETTER live. Their off-the-wall and increasingly dark shows have always been popular at the Edinburgh Fringe so make sure to catch them before they get too big for it! Buy tickets here

3. Lucy Beaumont: We Can Twerk It Out

We’re particularly excited about Lucy’s debut show at the Fringe this year. She has won a plethora of awards including the BBC New Comedy Award. Like a kitten with really sharp claws. Buy tickets here

4. Felicity Ward: The Iceberg

We’ve been banging on about Felicity for years and she continuously gets better and better. Outrageously hilarious stories and shriek-inducing observations, definitely a hot ticket this year. Buy tickets here

5. James Acaster: Recognise

Whimsical whilst wearing knitwear, James Acaster is a fantastic act. He weaves make-believe tales in with bizarre refrences and of course, is a two-time runner up for the Edinburgh Comedy Award. Buy tickets here

6. Susan Calman: Lady Like

A favourite on Radio 4 and a loveable story-teller who everyone will immediately warm to. Calman is a sure fire, strong candidate to please everybody. Buy tickets here

7. Abandoman: Hot Desk

So slick you’ll think it’s all been planned before the show. But it can’t be! Abandoman will enchant you with improvised rap – go and find out for yourselves. Buy tickets here

Twice ‘Edinburgh Comedy Award’ runner up James Acaster has quickly become one of my favourite comedians at the Fringe this year. Acaster glides his way through a well written set, never wavering from his usual sombre style (except once when he repeats a line twice due to giddiness from performing on the same day the nominations were announced!). His material is so fresh and original, that it fully justifies his nomination in the Awards.

Themes covered in ‘Lawnmower’ include the split of the Beatles, sinking ships, sky-writing and adventurous ice cream business plans: they don’t seem like the grounds for comedy but it’s all in the unique stories Acaster moulds out of them that are so funny. He takes on ideas at a different angle to the rest of the world, spinning hilarious punchlines out of everything he tackles.

Acaster is dressed in his trademark neutral clothing, a sober approach to fashion for a man of only 28! When he explains why he buys his clothes at Marks and Spencers however, he allows a bit of silliness and whimsy to escape, proving that as a comic he can provide all the right quips to keep the audience on their toes with laughter.

James Acaster’s Edinburgh Festival run finishes tonight, but that sold out ages ago! You can, however, keep up to date with gig and tour news here.

We were very pleased over at Punchline to hear that our next headliner Seann Walsh has been nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award, and wish him the best of luck come Saturday.

Also nominated is previous Punchliner Nick Helm, as well as some of our favourite comedians from this year’s Fringe: Carl Donnelly, James Acaster, Max and Ivan, Mike Wozniak and Bridget Christie have all been announced as contenders today.

Nominated for the very exciting Newcomers Award are Aisling Bea, John Kearns, Liam Williams, Matt Okine and Romesh Ranganathan.

The Foster’s Edinburgh Comedy Awards are now in their33rd year and are one of the most respected accolades in the world of comedy. Steve Coogan won the award in 1992 (known as the Perrier), and will be responsible for announcing the winner of the Award and the £10,000 prize at lunch time this Saturday.

It’s difficult to narrow down our top picks for this year’s Fringe, but here is Punchline’s Starter for 10 (in no particular order):

Nick Helm is the only person in the comedy world who can get away calling himself a “One Man Mega Myth”. Those who came to October’s Punchline won’t need convincing. You will be part of the show but you probably won’t mind.

Boy with Tape on His Face is a delightful hour that’s original, funny and touching. It’s also a good one if you have any visitors who don’t speak English as a first language.

Felicity Ward One of Punchline’s Top 3 last year, Australian comic Felicity Ward is laugh out loud funny. She covers various subjects and you kind of feel like you’re chatting to her in the pub, then find yourself crying with laughter.

Joe Lycett is delightful and very funny, with a sting in his tail. He’s going to be a comedy superstar so get in now.

Josh Widdicombe is fast becoming a household name, as seen on Last Leg and Mock The Week.